Blackburn starlet Ryan Edwards has set his sights on breaking into Gary Bowyer's first-team plans next season.

Blackburn starlet Ryan Edwards has set his sights of breaking into Gary Bowyer's first-team plans next season.

The highly-rated centre-half is keen to build on a productive spell out on loan at Rochdale and Fleetwood Town by establishing himself in the Blackburn side next term.

The 19-year-old made 37 appearances in all competitions at Rochdale and Fleetwood as Rovers decided to loan him out so that he could continue his development with regular first-team football.

The accomplished defender enjoyed his time out on loan and admits it has whetted his appetite to try and become a regular in the Rovers side when the new season kicks-off in August.

"We go back to pre-season training next Wednesday and I am determined to do all I can to impress the manager," Edwards told Sky Sports.

"The manager knows me having worked with me in the reserves and hopefully that will work in my favour.

"I have worked hard over the summer and I am ready to hit the ground running when we return for training.

"Hopefully I will get the chance to play a few games in pre-season and show that I deserve a chance in the first-team."

Loan

Edwards admits he would consider another loan move next season if he not going be playing regularly for Blackburn as he feels his spells at Rochdale and Fleetwood have improved him as a player.

"I loved it at Rochdale and Fleetwood playing week-in, week-out and it was a great experience for me," added Edwards.

"I still have a long way to go before I am the finished article, but playing in a tough league like League Two was good for me and helped me continue my development.

"If I am not going to be playing for Blackburn next season I would definitely consider going out on loan again and maybe going to League One would be the next stage in my development having already played in League Two."

Flattered

Edwards impressed during his stint on loan last season and his performances are thought to have alerted several Premier League sides.

Edwards admits he is flattered to be linked with some top flight clubs, but insists he is focused on getting ready for the new season.

"It is good to hear that some top clubs are interested in you as you want to play at the highest possible level, but I just put the talk to the back of my mind and focus on playing games, as that is all I want to do."